During Dhu’l-Hijjah, millions of Muslims visit Saudi Arabia to see the Holy Kabah in Makkah.
Many pilgrims have wished to undertake Hajj and Umrah in recent years without using traditional travel firms. Professional travel agencies pose issues like the following:
Flexibility issues.
Lack of customized experiences.
Unnecessary hidden costs.
Organizing a Hajj or Umrah trip without an agency might be difficult. However, with good direction and planning, you can make this work.
This blog post will provide some of the most effective tips for planning your pilgrimage without the intervention of travel agencies.
DIY Hajj Pilgrimage
Tips to Plan your Hajj Without Travel Agencies
One of the finest Hajj advice is to be calm and seek out less congested spots.
Preparing for Hajj entails being physically, psychologically, spiritually, and financially prepared, from budgeting to selecting the correct package and travel agency.
Gather & Plan your Budget
Pilgrims must be debt-free and have enough money to support their families throughout the Hajj pilgrimage, costing between US$3,000 and $10,000 per person.
Thus, you can get help from a rotating money club, sometimes called a kamiti, hagbad, ayuuto, or gameeya, to keep things on track.
Moreover, creating a budget and being mindful of spending might help you save enough money for Hajj. Open a separate Hajj savings account from your emergency money and discretionary income. Saving early is critical to having the ideal Hajj experience.
Consider adding an additional $10 each month or directing work bonuses to your Hajj-specific savings account.
Put your Documents Together
Like any other kind of travel, the Hajj requires the proper legal documentation. To travel to Makkah, you will first need a visa.
The process might be lengthy, and you must have a valid passport. If you have any questions regarding the required documents or paperwork, please contact your travel agency or local Saudi Arabian consulate. Many Hajj packages aid with immigration and paperwork.
Pilgrims must get a visa for the Hajj or Umrah from Saudi embassies or consulates. You can get these visas according to Islamic lunar months, with Hajj visas accessible only during specific seasons.
Arrange your Commute
If you’re an international pilgrim, the best way to arrive is by flight. You can avail of private jet charter services Saudi Arabia to make your travel smoother and more comfortable. Remember that hardships are unavoidable once you arrive, so make your arrival as comfortable as possible.
You can arrange package excursions from Jeddah to Madinah, often including a time-consuming 450-kilometer bus ride without airfare. Although trains are more pleasant and cost-effective than cabs, they have a restricted luggage capacity.
Many customers complain that train officials conduct severe checks, requiring them to employ overnight courier services.
Moreover, you can use Uber and Careem transportation. However, due to potential restrictions, it is essential to check availability before planning, particularly in Makkah, where there are congested regions and a shortage of drivers.
Careem is more available but around 30% more costly. Therefore, you can arrange local taxis. All you need to do is negotiate the costs well.
Know What to Expect During the Pilgrimage
Mina is the first stop following the Holy Kaaba ritual and provides communal tents with air conditioning and electricity for a pleasant stay. Here, you must organize your tent into camps, each with a kitchen, laundry facilities, and restrooms.
Breakfast is often bread, fruit, and pastries, with rice and meat for supper. Drinks and snacks are available in the kitchen.
After your Hajj journey at Arafat, you must spend the night on the hardscrabble plain of Muzdalifah, with some settling in confined places or spaces with wooden privacy walls and comfy beds.
The Stoning of the Devil ceremony in Mina, Saudi Arabia, is noteworthy. However, be cautious, as turbulent weather can result in stampedes. Despite increasing safety precautions, being mindful of these threats is critical.
Afterward, travelers can tour Madinah, Prophet Muhammad’s ultimate burial place, via a VIP bus service.
The streets have gift stores, and as they depart, they should think about their trip, their relationship with Allah, and their grasp of Makkah’s history.
Prepare yourself Spiritually & Physically
The Hajj trip entails lengthy hours of walking and fasting, so physical preparation is crucial. Eating healthily and engaging in physical activity can help maintain high energy levels. Elderly people may require physician clearance for Hajj.
Repentance, making apologies, and healing relationships all require mental and spiritual preparedness.
Developing connections with Allah necessitates patience, tolerance, and self-control. Learn the prayers and Hajj rituals and develop patience and self-control.
